Gochujang Pasta
This quick and easy 20-minute recipe for Gochujang Pasta is spicy, creamy, & addicting. The Korean & Italian fusion penne dish has a simple pan sauce with garlic, red chili gochujang paste, & parmesan. The simple recipe is a great weeknight meal or fast lunch.
Equipment
- pasta or large stock pot
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- reserved pasta water ( about ⅓ cup)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons gochujang paste
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons green onion finely sliced
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro minced - optional
Instructions
- Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil. Once at a rolling boil, add the pasta and stir to separate. The penne will take 10-12 minutes to cook & become al dente. While it is cooking, start the sauce.
- In a large skillet with deep edges (14" is best) make the spicy pan sauce. Over medium, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Infuse the two together by cooking for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the gochujang paste to the pan & whisk to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and carefully add ⅓ cup of starchy pasta water. Whisk to combine and make a smooth sauce. Finish off by adding chunks of room-temperature cream cheese & whisk until the sauce is smooth yet thick.
- As soon as the penne pasta is al dente, it is time to add it to the pan with the sauce. Use a slotted spoon to add it to the sauce (do not drain, keep the pasta in case it is needed)Stir to combine. If needed, add a tablespoon of pasta water at a time to thin out the sauce & help it cling to the pasta.
- Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove. Sprinkle on the parmesan and toss to coat. Sprinkle on sliced green onions and cilantro - optional.
- Serve and enjoy immediately while it is hot and fresh.
Notes
STORING & REHEATING:
- Store them in the refrigerator in a container with a lid for up to 3 days.
- The sauce will separate upon reheating. To reheat, warm in a pan and add a bit of cream or more cream cheese to make it creamy again.
- Use gluten-free pasta for any health or allergy concerns.
- Do Not substitute the gochujang, this is the key ingredient.
Nutrition
Calories: 471kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 13gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 169mgPotassium: 259mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 476IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 87mgIron: 1mg
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